Terror Incidents
LAHORE: Amid a sharp rise in terrorist activities across Pakistan, authorities have placed Punjab on high alert, intensifying security measures across the province. A spokesperson for the Punjab police confirmed the heightened state of vigilance on Sunday, citing the growing threat posed by militant groups.
The decision follows a deadly attack on Bannu Cantonment in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), where at least five soldiers and 13 civilians were martyred. In a fierce clash, security forces neutralized 16 militants, while 32 others sustained injuries due to the destruction caused by multiple suicide bombings.
Days after the Bannu attack, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir visited the district, condemning the violence and vowing to bring the masterminds and facilitators of terrorism to justice, regardless of their location. The military chief reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to eradicating terrorism and safeguarding national security.
Meanwhile, in a significant counterterrorism breakthrough, Pakistan arrested hardcore Daesh commander Mohammad Sharifullah, also known as Jaffar, who was accused of orchestrating the 2021 attack on US troops at Kabul airport.
Acting on intelligence provided by the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), Pakistani authorities apprehended the militant leader and later handed him over to the United States, demonstrating Pakistan’s continued cooperation in global counterterrorism efforts.
To counter the rising threat, intelligence-based search and sweep operations are being conducted across Punjab. A police spokesperson revealed that in the past 24 hours alone, law enforcement agencies carried out 436 such operations and conducted eight major security exercises.
These efforts led to the arrest of 123 suspects, including 38 proclaimed offenders. Authorities also seized a substantial cache of weapons, including two Kalashnikov rifles, 12 guns, and a large quantity of ammunition.
Pakistan has been grappling with an escalation in terrorist attacks since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan in 2021. Militant groups have increasingly targeted law enforcement personnel and security forces, particularly in KP and Balochistan. The worsening security situation has prompted nationwide concerns, with analysts calling for a robust and coordinated counterterrorism response.
According to data from the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS), the country experienced a staggering 42% increase in terror attacks in January 2025 compared to the previous month.
A total of 74 militant attacks were recorded nationwide, resulting in 91 fatalities. Among the deceased were 35 security personnel, 20 civilians, and 36 militants. Additionally, 117 people sustained injuries, including 53 security officers, 54 civilians, and 10 militants.
KP remained the most heavily affected region, followed by Balochistan. In KP’s settled districts, militants launched 27 attacks, causing 19 fatalities, including 11 security personnel, six civilians, and two militants.
In the tribal districts of KP (formerly known as FATA), 19 attacks were recorded, leading to 46 deaths. Among the casualties were 13 security personnel, eight civilians, and 25 militants.
Given the alarming trend, authorities in Punjab are intensifying surveillance and intelligence-sharing efforts to prevent potential attacks. The government has urged citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity, reinforcing that national security remains a top priority.
As Pakistan continues to battle the growing wave of militancy, security forces remain committed to maintaining stability and protecting the lives of its people.
